Method and apparatus for controlling gas emission of an internal combustion engine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for controlling exhaust gas emission, adapted to be connected to a suitable location on the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing being capable of allowing entry and discharge of exhaust gases coming from the combustion chamber, characterized in that a gas flow controlling means and gas reaction chamber disposed in said housing, and air passage means provided in said housing and in communication with said gas reaction chamber wherein atmospheric air is capable of entering therein, said gas flow controlling means being capable of accelerating the flow speed of the exhaust gases passing therein before entering the gas reaction chamber, thereby drawing out and scavenging unburned fuel and carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and drawing atmospheric air into the air passage means due to partial vacuum formed in the flow controlling means, relief means provided in said gas flow controlling means being capable for allowing passage of some portions of the said exhaust gases to minimize pressure build-up therein, and said gas reaction chamber being capable of allowing entry of atmospheric air coming from air passage means, such that oxidizing reaction between the hot gases and air occurs, which causes the hot gases to be converted into environment-friendly gases before discharging it to the atmosphere.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(a) of Philippine Application No. 12005000294, filed Jun. 14, 2005, entitled “APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING GAS EMISSION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to treatment of gas emission and more specifically to a method and apparatus for controlling gas emission of an internal combustion engine for improving its performance and reducing the levels of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other noxious components in the exhaust gas flow from the internal combustion engine to a permissible level.

Numerous gas emission control systems and devices are already known having the main purpose of cleaning exhaust gas and prevent air pollution. Although these systems and devices have been proven to somehow achieve their pollution control objective, most of them have been unacceptable due to some valid reasons such as the cost is expensive, complexity in manufacturing and lack of reliability in operation. One of these devices is the muffler-type afterburning device disclosed in Buttler, U.S. Pat. No. 2,981,057. This device is developed for removing objectionable components from the exhaust gases from automotive engines by utilizing heater elements for reacting with and removing objectionable components from the exhaust gas flow and which employ ceramic or asbestos disks to support the heater elements in the device. Another existing anti-pollution device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,896, wherein the device comprises a cylindrical housing, a spiral cone, an initial ceramic disc, a series of subsequent ceramic discs, a cooling pipe. The housing consists of two identical semi-circular segments having an outer shell and an inner shell constructed of durable material, such as steel and separated by insulation material, such as sodium, with the inside surface of the inner shell lined with a protective hear conductive material, such as porcelain. The device operates in a manner wherein the exhaust gas is directed to an opening in the spiral cone, where the exhaust gases are first expanded due to the larger size opening near the front surface thereof. The exhaust fumes are then agitated by means of ribs in the smaller openings near the rear surface. The exhaust fumes are then propelled through the series of discs, which become extremely hot since they are coated with ceramic porcelain material, causing the foreign or polluted materials remaining in the exhaust fumes to be burned up virtually completely.

The aforesaid anti-pollution devices utilize complicated components and employ the method of removing the pollutants in exhaust gases by heating. While such method appears to have promising development in removing pollutants, the structure of such devices is too complicated and is quite costly to manufacture.

Other exhaust systems of an internal combustion engine employ catalytic converter, resonator and mufflers. Such conventional exhaust systems were engineered and designed primarily to suppress and deaden the loud sound of bursting exhausts emanating from the combustion of the engine, while just a small percentage of pollution control technology is in place. Although these conventional exhaust systems are widely accepted, however, emission of noxious gases still exists in all internal combustion engines' exhaust, polluting the environment in an alarming proportion. This has been attributed to the unburned hydrocarbons from the petrol-based fuel used.

Accordingly, it is useful to provide a method and apparatus that would significantly reduce pollutants in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine. It is also useful to provide a method and apparatus for controlling gas emission from an internal combustion engine wherein the process and structural feature of the apparatus are very simple and yet can effectively perform its intended purpose. Furthermore, it is useful to provide a method and apparatus having simplicity and adaptation with regards to its installation to a conventional vehicle. Other utilities and novelties of the present invention will be realized upon reading the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a conventional exhaust system of an internal combustion engine utilizing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention showing the air passage thereof.

FIG. 5 is another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a post-combustion system, which can be considered as an integral part of the engine's efficiency. It was conceptualized, designed and tested to overcome the above noted limitations that are attendant upon the operational function of existing exhaust systems.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention as herein disclosed includes an apparatus utilizing a method of removing undesirable components in exhaust gases by allowing the current of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine to pass a flow controlling means, which is can be a plurality of venturis, such that the speed of gas flow is accelerated; thus, causing the unburned gas fumes within the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine to be drawn out. Such occurrence results in all the leftover wastes (unburned fuel) and carbon deposits to be scavenged and dispersed out during the exhaust stroke of the engine and the subsequent intake of fresh fuel into the combustion chambers is assured to be in its ideal mixture or in its homogeneous state of “stoichiometric” air-fuel ratio for efficient, full power combustion. The resulting effect of the exhaust emission's increased velocity flow passing through the exhaust piping system, causes partial vacuum in the venturi, which automatically draws in atmospheric air in the treatment chamber. At this stage, oxygen from the induced air reacts to the hot gases of the exhaust in the treatment chamber such that oxidation of the unburned hydrocarbons takes place; thus, resulting in disassociation or conversion of the noxious gases into harmless carbon dioxide, water and traces of nitrogen before being discharged into the atmosphere.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown an apparatus for controlling emission of an internal combustion engine E generally designated as 10, adapted to be connected to a conventional exhaust system S, can be located at its tail end as shown in FIG. 3. Apparatus 10 comprising a housing 11 having a gas inlet P on one end and gas outlet H provided at the other end. Provided within housing 11 is a gas flow controlling means 12, gas reaction chamber 13 in communication with said gas flow controlling means 12, and atmospheric air passage means 14 in communication with said gas reaction chamber 13. Air passage means 14 is can be a hollow section encompassing the gas flow controlling means 12 and gas reaction chamber, with its outer open end being capable of allowing atmospheric air to enter therein as shown in FIG. 2. Said hollow section may be a closed hollow chamber with the air passage means in the form of a tube provided in the housing as shown in FIG. 4. Said tube T is disposed in the housing in a manner wherein its inner end disposed at the gas reaction chamber and outer end extending from the housing. Said gas flow controlling means 12 being capable of accelerating the flow speed of exhaust gases coming from the engine, to facilitate scavenging or drawing out leftover wastes (unburned fuel) and carbon deposits in the combustion chamber during the exhaust stroke of the engine. The removal or drawing out of leftover waste and carbon deposit facilitates perfect and efficient combustion upon introduction of fresh fuel into the combustion chamber. Said gas flow controlling means 12 is a primary and secondary venturi 17 and 18. Primary venturi 17 having its inlet end confronting the gas inlet, and a plurality of gas relief means 19 provided in its peripheral wall being capable of allowing some portions of the gases to pass through, thereby minimizing choking effect which may result in back pressure when the gas enters the primary venturi. The relief means may assume a predetermined shape such that it is capable of deflecting the gas flow path and create a swirling gas motion effect. The relief means, as herein described is shown in the form of a plurality of holes, such that the gases flow directly and steadily to the gas reaction chamber. To provide a much more effective air/gas reaction, a portion of the peripheral wall of these holes may be crimped or altered such that their configured shapes are capable of deflecting the gas passing thereto and creating a swirling effect as the gases enter the reaction chamber. Such swirling effect contributes to a speedy oxidation of the exhaust gases in the gas reaction chamber. The secondary venturi 18, which is encompassing venturi 17, is provided to further control and maintains the gas flow in its accelerated speed. In communication with the gas flow controlling means 12 is the gas reaction chamber 13 having constricted section 21 in communication with said gas flow controlling means and its broader section in communication with the gas outlet H. A plurality of air inlet means 22 provided on said gas reaction chamber and in communication with air passage means 14 such that the atmospheric air coming from the air passage means 14 is capable of entering the gas reaction chamber.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is another embodiment of the present invention, wherein housing 11 a is provided with jacket C, which defines thereof a hollow chamber 11 b that encompasses the annular wall of said hosing 11 a. Said hollow chamber 11 b being made such that it is capable of minimizing the dissipation of heat from the gas reaction chamber and increase oxidation reaction within the gas reaction chamber. Said jacket C further facilitates the maintenance of the original outer appearance of the apparatus, since the unsightly spots that usually occur due to oxidation reaction will be formed only in the inner wall of the housing and not on the annular wall of jacket C that is exposed.

In operation, the exhaust gases coming from the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine enters apparatus 10 through exhaust system S. The flow speed of the exhaust gases is accelerated tremendously as it enters the gas flow-controlling means 12 due to venturi effect being facilitated by the primary and secondary venturi. The increase in the flow of exhaust gases causes the leftover waste (unburned fuel) and carbon deposits in the combustion chamber to be drawn out and capable of being treated for clean air conversion together with the exhaust gases. As the gases flow freely towards the constricted end of the venturis, some of it is made to pass through the relief means 19 of the primary venturi to hasten the pressure build up in the gas flow-controlling means. Venturi 18, which is can be of greater length and disposed in a manner wherein it is encompassing venturi 17, facilitates the maintenance of the accelerated flow speed of the exhaust gases until it reaches the gas reaction chamber. As the flow of exhaust gases enters the flow controlling means, partial vacuum builds up therein such that atmospheric air is drawn into the air passage means, which is then introduced in the reaction chamber through air inlet means 22. At this point, oxygen from the drawn air reacts with the hot exhaust gases and oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons occurs, which results in the conversion of these noxious gases into harmless carbon dioxide, water and traces of Nitrogen, as they are expelled out in the atmosphere through gas outlet H.

Gas reaction chamber 13 is can be of greater length than the gas flow controlling means 12 such that there will be longer reaction of oxygen and hot exhaust gases to facilitate effective oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons.

The herein apparatus can be installed in any suitable location in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine or can be incorporated and be an integral part of a muffler structure, or resonator and the like.

The following chart shows the result of the test conducted by the Department of Transportation and communication of the Philippines on a vehicle with and without an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

-   Name of owner: Belvic Realty & Development Corp. -   Series: Frontier -   Plate No: WMS 818 -   Make: Nissan

Date Tested: Jan. 31, 2003 Test Method: Standard, Without Device Opacimeter Emission standard Ave. Result Category(Reg. Date) Nat. Tar. 1000 m Elev. <Dec. 31, 2002 2.5 3.5 4.5 4.93K >=Jan. 1, 2003 1.2 2.2 3.2

Test Method: Standard, With The Device Opacimeter Emission standard Ave. Result Category(Reg. Date) Nat. Tur. 1000 m 1.35 .k <Dec. 31, 2002 2.5 3.5 4.5 >Jan. 1, 2003 1.2 2.2 3.2

The above result of the test in the_vehicle shows that a significant reduction in the opacity is achieved by the use of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of example with reference to the drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and therefore is already obvious and falls within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for controlling exhaust gas emission, adapted to be connected to suitable location on an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing having a jacket and being capable of allowing entry and discharge of exhaust gases coming from the combustion chamber, characterized in that a gas flow controlling means and gas reaction chamber disposed in said housing, and air passage means provided in said housing and in communication with said gas reaction chamber wherein atmospheric air is capable of entering therein, said gas flow controlling means being capable of accelerating the flow speed of the exhaust gases passing therein before entering the gas reaction chamber, thereby drawing out and scavenging unburned fuel and carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and drawing atmospheric air into the air passage means due to partial vacuum formed in the flow controlling means, relief means provided in said gas flow controlling means being capable of allowing passage of some portions of said exhaust gases to minimize pressure build-up therein, and said gas reaction chamber being capable of allowing entry of atmospheric air coming from air passage means and hot exhaust gases coming from the gas flow controlling means, such that oxidizing reaction between the hot gases and air occurs therein, which causes the hot gases to be converted into environment-friendly gases before discharging it to the atmosphere.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gas flow controlling means are a plurality of venturis and said relief means are holes disposed in at least one of the venturis.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said relief means is pre-shaped in a manner that is capable of creating a swirling effect to the flow of gas passing thereto.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said gas reaction chamber having constricted section in communication with said gas flow controlling means having air inlets capable of allowing entry of air coming from the air passage means.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said air passage means is a hollow section encompassing the gas flow controlling means and gas reaction chamber having an opening wherein atmospheric air is capable of entering thereof.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said air passage means is a tube having one end extending from the housing and the other end in communication with the gas reaction chamber.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said jacket defines thereof a hollow chamber encompassing the annular wall of said housing.
 8. A method of controlling gas emission of an internal combustion engine comprising: allowing the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to flow within a flow controlling means; accelerating the flow speed of exhaust gases by venturi effect in the flow controlling means, thereby drawing out carbon deposits and unburned fuel in the combustion chamber; drawing in atmospheric air through partial vacuum created by said flow speed acceleration within the flow controlling means; allowing the atmospheric air to react with the hot exhaust gases containing said unburned fuel and carbon deposits; minimizing dissipation of heat from the flow controlling means; converting said exhaust gases into environment-friendly gases through the process of oxidation; and disposing said environment-friendly gases into the atmosphere.
 9. A method of controlling gas emission according to claim 8 which further includes the step of swirling some portion of the accelerated gas flow before the introduction of atmospheric air thereof.
 10. A method for controlling gas emission of an internal combustion engine comprising: allowing exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine to flow through a first venturi; minimizing dissipation of heat from the first venturi; and converting the exhaust gases into environment-friendly gases through oxidation.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: allowing the exhaust gases flow through a second venturi
 12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: accelerating the flow speed of the exhaust gases.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: drawing out carbon deposits and unburned fuel from the exhaust gases.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: allowing atmospheric air to react with the exhaust gases.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: disposing the environment-friendly gases into the atmosphere.
 15. An apparatus for controlling gas emission of an internal combustion engine comprising: a first venturi, having a jacket and an outlet for carbon deposits and unburned fuel, adapted to be connected to an exhaust system and adapted to be connected to a gas reaction chamber.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a second venturi encompassing the venturi.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the gas reaction chamber includes an inlet for atmospheric air.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein a first part of the venturi that is adapted to be connected to the exhaust system is larger than a second part of the venturi that is adapted to be connected to the gas reaction chamber.
 19. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the outlet is a hole.
 20. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the jacket defines a hollow chamber encompassing the first venturi.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the inlet is a hole.
 22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second venturi is longer than the first venturi. 